Sweden considers letting Ukrainian pilots check out JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets

STOCKHOLM — Sweden’s protection minister says the Nordic nation is contemplating whether or not to let Ukrainian pilots check its JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets.

So far, Sweden has dominated out sending any Gripen fighters to Ukraine, saying it wants them for its personal territorial protection. But Defense Minister Pål Jonsson informed Swedish broadcaster TV4 that Sweden was trying with a “positive spirit” on a Ukrainian request to permit its pilots to check out the Swedish airplane.

“That could, for example, mean test flights, using simulators, learning more about the extensive ground system that is part of the Gripen system,” he stated Thursday.

Ukraine has lengthy requested for Western fighter jets to assist it resist the full-scale Russian invasion, now in its second 12 months. Initially reluctant, the U.S. and different NATO international locations just lately agreed to permit Ukrainian pilots to obtain coaching to fly F-16 fighters, although none has but dedicated handy over any planes.

Kyiv has additionally expressed curiosity in different Western plane, together with the Gripen, a single-engine plane designed to take off and land from dispersed bases and even highways, which some analysts say would make it an excellent match for Ukraine’s air drive. Ukraine at present makes use of Soviet-era fighters.

Jonsson reiterated Sweden has no fast plans to switch Gripen planes to Ukraine.

“We need them for the defense of our territory right now, but we are opening up for letting the Ukrainians test the Gripen,” he informed TV4. “That is in line with what other countries are doing, both those who operate F-16 and also Tornado” fighters, he stated.